YMCA’s 100 Anniversary

Matthew Lin, M.D. was honored with Councilmembers from Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead and San Gabriel during the celebration of the YMCA’s 100 Anniversary held on February 17 at Almansor Court in Alhambra.

It was a full house as 300 people celebrated this special event marking 100 years since the cities of Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead and San Gabriel joined together to establish a local YMCA in the San Gabriel Valley.

Valarie Gomez, the Chief Executive Officer welcomed everyone to this special event. She thanked the charter cities for making a difference in the lives of our community. She thanked Dr. Lin for assisting the members of the Y. YMCA promotes health and well being. She thanked him for his commitment and support.

Ms. Gomez gave a brief history on all of the sports that were invented by the Y members over the years.

She thanked the community for their overwhelming support of the YMCA over the last 100 years. We have come a long way and have a long way to go. She asked the community to continue to support the YMCA.

Phil Cohen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Office of AHMC Healthcare, Inc. was the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed all to the evening event. He reminded the guests to buy raffle tickets for several great door prizes.

Chaplain Bob Maase led the invocation. He thanked God for all of the days, weeks and years that brought us to this event. He thanked all of the volunteers and donors. He asked God to bless all here tonight.

Sheriff Lee Baca stated he knows about all the work the Y does for young children and adults. You can be proud of the Y. It is one of the oldest institutions in America.

Owen Guenthard introduced the Alhambra Councilmembers Luis Ayala, Barbara Messina, Stephen Sham, Gary Yamauchi and Steven Placido. He said all of the city employees volunteer at the Y.

Barbara Messina thanked the Y for supporting the residents. The city has a 99-year lease with the Y for $1 a year.

John Harrington introduced the El Monte Councilmembers Andre Quintero, Juventino Gomez, Norma Macias, Victoria Martinez and Bart Patel. He stated that the city supports the health and welfare of the residents.

“J” Gomez said the Y supports the youth. It is a blessing. Please keep supporting them for the children.

Dr. Matthew Lin was honored for his longtime support of the Y. He is dedicated to all people in need.

Dr. Lin said he is honored to be here. He is from a poor family and he came to the Y to improve his life. The Y taught him about being a responsible person. He is married to Joy the love of his life. They have four children Jenny, George, Jerry and Tim. He called them his best accomplishments.

Dr. Lin thanked the Y for helping him to the serve the people. The Y takes care of the homeless and those less fortunate. He wished the Y a happy birthday and wished them another 100 years of success.

Daniel Kim introduced the Monterey Park Councilmembers David Lau, Mitchell Ing, Teresa Real Sebastian, Anthony Wong and Betty Tom Chu. He thanked everyone for being here to support what we have done for the Y.

David Lau stated the city was honored to be recognized by the Y. Monterey Park is very supportive of the YMCA, which provides service to the residents. 100 years ago the city helped to created the Y and the values are still the same. He wished the Y to continue for another 100 years.

Greg Nordbak introduced the Rosemead Councilmembers Steven Ly, Sandra Armenta, William Alarcon, Margaret Clark and Polly Low. He spoke about the city’s new 9-11 monument in front of City Hall.

Steven Ly said Rosemead is a blue-collar city. The Y supports the youth and adults in their city. They are striving to be a small town community.

John Harrington introduced San Gabriel Councilmembers David Gutierrez, Kevin Sawkins, Mario De La Torre, Juli Costanzo and himself. He spoke about the history of the San Gabriel Mission and Los Angeles. The mission opened doors to all the cultures in the area.

Kevin Sawkins spoke about his personal connections to the Y. His parents held their wedding reception in the Y on Main Street 60 years ago. He congratulated Dr. Matthew Lin and rededicated his city to the Y for the next 100 years.

Dr. Lin and the Councilmembers all received proclamations from several elected officials and service groups in honor of this special occasion.

Happy Birthday was sung to the YMCA and birthday cake was served to all of the guests for dessert after a wonderful dinner.

Several lucky people won door prizes donated by local businesses and two people were the highest bidders for 4 VIP Clipper tickets and a mini vacation at a San Clemente Beach House.

Valarie Gomez and Phil Cohen thanked all the guests for their participation and support of the Y.